Benefits of Herbal Medicine

Herbs and their uses for natural remedies have been around for centuries. With the advent of modern medicine, herbs and natural supplements have been given a bad name, but I don’t think they’re all bad. I think there are many advantages of herbal medicine.

Herbal Medicine Uses

Herbs have been used for medicinal purposes for many thousands of years. A lot of cultures have used them in therapies and medicines. There are countless herbs to choose from and countless uses for those herbs. Many of them have found their way into conventional medicine, while others serve their purpose in natural remedies, supplements, teas, and vitamins.

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The benefits are vast, but it’s important to have an understanding that not all herbs are equal and some can negatively impact your health.

Herbal medicine can be traced back to pretty much every major world culture, including China, India, Greece, Rome, Egypt and beyond. For the Greeks, there was a complete system that differentiated certain herbs for certain seasons, elements, and temperaments. The Romans took these theories and improved upon them. In fact, some of their practices are still being used today.

Perhaps the most famous herbal medicine systems are Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Indian practice of Ayurveda.

Herbal medicine was designed to tackle not just the symptoms of a disease, but the underlying issues as well. So, a herbalist looks beyond the symptoms and considers the big picture. Now, that means considering physical stressors as well as lifestyle stressors. Once an herbalist understands the cause of an issue, they can prescribe the correct herbal treatment. Additionally, herbs can be used to help you to improve your overall immune system.

When Pharmaceutical companies make new medicines, they often draw active ingredients from herbs to use in their products. However, it’s important that the whole plant is used.

For example, one of aspirin’s active ingredients is salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is extracted from mead wart. We also know that aspirin can cause problems for people with sensitive stomachs. So, another ingredient in mead wart works to protect your stomach from the salicylic acid. Thus, the whole plant has a greater value than just its parts. That is why in herbalism, the leaf, flower, fruit, bark, and root of a plant all have value and are used.

There are several different ways to prepare herbs for use. These include tinctures and infusions to creams, oils, ointments, and decoctions. Typically, herbs will come in a variety of options so that you can choose the right preparation for your issue.

If you aren’t sure which one is most suitable for you, consult a professional. Many health food stores will be able to point you in the right direction. Be sure to also read the instructions on packages. Make sure you find the right preparation and herb for your particular issue or illness.

The Common Herbs

There are literally thousands of uses for herbal medicines, simply because there are so many different types of herbs. They can be used to relieve the symptoms of PMS, migraines, depression, and even arthritis. They can be used to treat scrapes, burns, and so much more.

Herbs are also readily available. You can grow your own at home and use them. You can find them at health food stores as well. However, not every herb is safe for consumption. It’s important that you really know what you’re doing. Let’s take a look at some of the most common herbs and their uses.

• Echinacea – this immune system booster can shorten your cold, and even help treat kidney infections. It can be taken to help acne, boils, and frequent infections. Use it as a gargle for a sore throat.

• Ginger – crystalized ginger it’s well known for its ability to relieve nausea as well as ginger tea. It can also improve circulation and remove some of your cold symptoms. It’s helpful for menstrual cramps, arthritis, calms digestion, and mental fatigue.

• Gingko Biloba – gingko can reduce dementia symptoms, improve circulation, memory, and it can even help with an irregular heartbeat. Also used for varicose veins, cramps for exercise and for vertigo as well as asthma.

• St John’s Wort – it’s most commonly used for exhaustion, irritability, anxiety, and mild depression. Can ease pain associated with sciatica and wounds. It’s also helpful with cold sores and shingles. However, it can also be used as a topical application for inflammation or burns as well as used in massage for neuralgia.

• Chamomile – it’s not just for tea, chamomile can relieve stress, indigestion, insomnia, and anxiety. Additionally, it can be used to help with bronchitis and asthma. It’s useful for digestion issues such as heartburn. Can also relieve menstrual cramps, arthritis and toothache pain.

• Peppermint – it’s not just a candy cane! It helps with indigestion, nausea, as well as a good expectorant for bronchitis. Use it as a pain reliever for toothaches, headaches and menstrual cramps. Additionally, very helpful for muscle and mental fatigue.

Herbal remedies have grown in popularity recently and will continue to do so. If you want to use these remedies, please do some research and make sure you speak to your health practitioner if you are taking any medications.

Also, make sure you are using a company that supplies high-quality herbal ingredients in a GMP facility as these supplements are not regulated by the FDA. And speaking of the FDA, please remember this article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.